spoon

A spoon is a common utensil consisting of a small, concave bowl attached to a handle. It is used to scoop, lift, and transfer foods and liquids, as well as to stir ingredients or measure small amounts of ingredients.

Spoons vary in size and shape for different tasks. Common types include teaspoon and tablespoon, which also function as measuring spoons in cooking (approximately 5 and 15 milliliters, respectively). Other varieties include dessert spoons for eating, soup spoons for liquids, bouillon spoons with a shallower bowl, coffee spoons, and serving spoons.

The spoon is among the oldest eating implements. Early spoons were carved from wood, bone, shell, or horn. Metal spoons appeared in ancient cultures such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, and later became elaborately decorated in medieval and early modern Europe, especially in silver and gold for dining and ceremonial use.

Spoons are used for a wide range of tasks, from partaking soups and cereals to serving sauces and desserts. In many cultures, spoons are also used in rituals or for drinking tea or coffee. Baby spoons are shaped to be gentle for infants and rubberized for safety.

Materials include stainless steel, silver, gold, wood, plastic, and ceramic. Stainless steel spoons are common for everyday use; silver and gold spoons are prized for their beauty and ceremonial value. Care varies by material: stainless steel is dishwasher-safe, while silver requires polishing to prevent tarnish.